Employment issues - return to work after sickness absence

[Cocoflake90]

I had 2 months off work last June due to an operation and returned to work for 4 weeks and then was diagnosed with a nasty condition for which I received treatment in Hospital but am still not back at work due to the recovery process. I am currently taking immunosuppressants and due to Covid19 have been Shielded and this could be ongoing. Whilst my recovery is improving I have been told this is a long process. My issue is with my employer.who have I feel not been very supportive. I have had conflicting conversations with the Senior Manager and my Team manager. One stating I can have a phased return to work at my own pace with refresher training etc. My TM has suggested a different approach with more pressure which I do not feel confident to do at the moment as having been out of the job role for almost a year and the job role can be quite stressful. My TM suggested I work at home as my colleagues are doing but when the office and 'society' reopens I will have to go off sick again as I will not be able to work in the community due to my risk of infection. I have emailed the Senior Manager expressing my concerns and they have responded and made excuses for the Team Manager. My current sick note expired in May and I have the Shielding letter which takes my absence to 14th June, but my Company will not accept this. I am now waiting for another sick note from the Hospital. My main question is, should I return to work, can I go off sick again and expect the medical profession to give me a sick note. I would not be entitled to any sick pay from my employer as have been told I need to be back in work for a year and I do not think that I may qualify for state benefits. I have been in my job role for over 12 years. I have spoken to the Union but they will not attend any meetings as there is no definite course of action. I just want to be prepared. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Celestine]

Ula Thread moved from Welcome X

[ULA]

Have you spoken to your GP/specialist about what happens beyond the 14 June when your shielding letter expires. My suggestion would be that you contact them first since any return to work has to be taken with advice from the people responsible for your medical care. You might be able to undertake a phased return to work, however given the COVID situation that may have to be on the basis that you work from home due to your medical condition, if that is feasible with the job that you do.

Until you know where you are medically, it would be very difficult for you to have a meaningful conversation with your employer about what options you may have.

I hope that this has given some help as to a way forward, however if you have any more questions then please come back to this thread.

[Cocoflake90]

Ula Thread moved from Welcome X

Thank you for your response. My specialist team have said I can work at home depending on how I feel, but must remain indoors.. I have spoken to my TM and the Company are happy with that for now but should the office reopen they have said I will need to go off sick again as it is not fair on my colleagues for me to work at home and them not. I am not sure, if I am fit enough to work at home, and not fit to work in community, will I be given another sick note. I am now awaiting another sick note which I have been told will be for another 3 months so I now have a choice. I also have a meeting arranged for next week for them to discuss my Occupational Health assessment. I have not had one. A bit of a shambles really.

[ULA]

My understanding from your post is that you are waiting for a Dr certificate which will keep you off work for another three months, if that is the case then you need to be guided by the Dr's in terms of them assessing your ability to work. I presume that certificate takes account of the fact that you are still not well enough to work from home, in which case that option is not available to you.

In regard to the meeting next week, I presume virtually, with work is that to arrange an OH appointment?

[Cocoflake90]

It is a telephone arrangement.* I have not had an OT assessment, they have never mentioned it before and I do think it was a standard letter.* I have been told I can work at home, but it is my choice.* My Specialist nurse is arranging for me to have a sick note as she does not feel I need to be pressured into* returning to work.* Thank you for your advice and I am much clearer as to what to be prepared for.* Thank you

[ULA]

Glad that you are clearer about what is going to happen.

Have you asked to see a copy of the report? You should have been given that option when your employer asked you to attend and requested you give your consent to the OH assessment.*